The Cleaners From Venus (Martin Newell)-‘The Jangling Man'-Bush Hall; London -Apr.24,2025 Thurs.

From an album eight years into their career is a touchstone song that should have brought them further success. Martin Newell and his merry band of men are pioneers of the Jangly Indie Pop decade before the term was invented starting with their 1981 debut, "Blow away your troubles." Their albums are hard to find and their gigs are rarer which was why this was a special event; their 2nd of two nights at a packed 'Bush Hall' with devotees as far from New Jersey and Germany having come for just the night. The songs are perfect compact harmonic jewels and its a wonder why they never made it when similar bands like Teenage Fan Club and The Band of Holy Joy got more acclaim. Martin is the host with the backup band being also the opening band and they compliment his quirky yet harmonic flavour well. It's hope that this won't be a one-off because it really started to gel in the second half and I got goose bumps on some songs. A funny raconteur and great Pop Song-writer; We need him more than ever anjd here he is in the flesh.